The recommended pressure to inflate a tyre to is usually embossed on the tyre's sidewall, often as minimum and maximum figures rather than an exact target. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding how hard your tyres need to be(link to tyrepressurecheck.html) Check The Schrader Valve & Deflate The Tyre Find the schrader valve and remove any dust-cap. If the valve hasn’t been opened for a while release a short hiss of air to check it’s not stuck. The same process, holding the valve open longer, deflates the tyre. Schrader Valve or Auto Valve Release air by pressing down on the valve stem. A match stick or some other small blunt tool may be helpful. The dust cap on a schrader valve is part of the system that retains air. If the valve doesn’t have a cap the tyre will deflate noticeably sooner. The hose or pump connection may screw on or press on. Some push fit connections lock with a cam lever. To check the correct operation of the connection look at the rubber washer and move the lever back and forth.
The the ‘locked’ position squeezes the washer, the ‘on-off’ position lets the washer relax. The rubber washer in a pump connector wears out with use. It needs to be replaced when it stops gripping valves to give an air-tight sea. It's considerable easier to inflate a tyre when you're pump has a good seal. A push fit connection to a schrader valve usually needs a locking lever. A small amount of air is released when the connector goes on or off. Pull the connector off briskly, parallel to the valve, to minimise the air loss after pumping. Inflate a tyre - pumping Fully open and fully close the pump with each stroke. It’s important to press the piston right to the end of it’s travel to force air into the tyre. If you stop too soon the air in the pump will tend to compress rather than flow into the tyre. Floor or Track Pumps Place both feet on the rests to stabilise the pump. Open the pump fully at the start of each stroke. As you get to the bottom of the stroke you can use your body weight – rather than your arms – to force the last bit of air out of the chamber by softening your knees.
Using the full stroke is a more efficient way to inflate a tyre. It helps if you can brace the connection between the schrader valve and the pump by hooking a finger or two around the tyre or spokes. Plant your feet and try to position yourself so you can get your shoulder behind the piston of the pump. If you’re not sure exactly how hard you want your tyres to be, you can always inflate a tyre to the maximum recommended. If – when riding – you feel the road is shaking you about and bouncing you off the ground, it’s much easier to let a little air out than to pump more in. Many modern pumps can be converted between Presta and Schrader fitting, by dismantling the connection and reversing the direction of parts.Expert ReviewedHow to Inflate Bike Tires Three Methods:Schrader ValvePresta ValveWoods ValveCommunity Q&A Inflating your bike tires is a simple and painless task, as long as you know what tools you need. Identify your valve type with the methods below and pump accordingly.
A Schrader valve is also called an American valve, or a car valve. The valve stem is surrounded by a threaded valve core; to press down on the stem, you need to use a tool like a pen cap or your thumbnail. Schrader valves are typically wider in diameter and shorter than Presta or Woods valves. They're usually found on cars, less expensive bikes and mountain bikes. To open a Schrader valve, simply unscrew the rubber cap at the top. Figure out the recommended PSI for your tires. This is usually on raised print on the side of your bike tires and will consist of a range. Don't let your PSI go any lower than the lowest number; the high number is the recommended maximum PSI.If you don't already have one, try to use a gas station pump, or borrow one from a friend. If you have a Schrader valve, you're in luck - you won't need an adapter to use a gas station pump. Ask the attendant for a pressure gauge and inflate your tires in small bursts, checking the pressure after each one.
Gas station pumps are extremely high pressure, and you can pop your tires if you're not careful. If you're using a bicycle pump with two openings, the larger one is meant for the Schrader valve. Smart pumps with one opening will automatically adjust to accommodate a Schrader valve. A pump with one opening may require you to reverse an internal rubber stop to fit a Schrader valve. Unscrew the face cap and find the rubber stop. The larger end should be facing out for a Schrader valve.Unscrew the rubber cap on top of the valve and put it somewhere safe, like your back pocket. You don't want to lose it. Put the pump on the valve. If there's a lever near the nozzle, make sure it's in the open position (parallel to the nozzle) when you're putting it on the valve; snap the lever down into the closed position (perpendicular to the nozzle) when it's on. Keep an eye on the PSI as you pump. Flip the lever back up to remove the pump, then quickly return the rubber cap to the valve.
To deflate a tire with a Schrader valve, simply press on the springy valve stem with a fingernail or other small tool until all the air escapes. The Presta valve, also called a Sclaverand or French valve, is usually found on high-end road bikes. Presta valves are longer and narrower in diameter than Schrader valves, and feature an external valve stem that is protected by a valve cap, instead of being surrounded by a valve core.To open a Presta valve, unscrew the dust cap at the top and put it somewhere safe. Then, loosen the small brass cap on the valve stem - it won't come off completely, but you should be able to raise it a bit. To check if you've loosened the bras cap enough, press on the valve stem. If you can hear air escaping in a sharp burst, you've loosened it enough.Try to use a gas station pump, or borrow one from a friend. You can also purchase pumps at your local cycle shop. To use a gas station pump on a Presta valve, you'll need a Presta adapter. This is a small cap you can screw onto a Presta valve to essentially turn it into a Schrader valve.
Some older bike pumps might also require you to have a Presta adapter. You can purchase one from your local cycle shop. When using a gas station pump, ask the attendant for a pressure gauge and inflate your tires in small bursts, checking the pressure after each one. If you're using a bike pump with two openings, the smaller one is for a Presta valve. Smart pumps with one opening will automatically adjust to accommodate a Presta valve. A pump with one opening may require you to reverse an internal rubber stop to fit a Presta valve. The smaller end should be facing out for a Presta valve.Open the Presta valve by unscrewing the dust cap and loosening the smaller brass cap. Flip the lever back up to remove the pump, and screw the brass cap closed. Replace the dust cap. To deflate a tire with a Presta valve, open the brass cap and press on the springy valve stem until all the air escapes. A Woods valve, also known as a Dunlop or English valve, is commonly used in Asia and Europe.
It is larger like a Schrader valve, but employs the same mechanism as a Presta valve. Refer to the Presta valve section for instructions on how to inflate a tire with a Woods valve. If you're unsure about how much air should be put in or you don't have a pressure indicator on your pump, just fill the tires until they are firm, yet so you can still squeeze them ever so slightly. If you think it's done, you're probably right. If you buy a pump, get one that makes sense for you. Many are the stand-up variety, where you stand on part while the handle goes up and down. Others are more compact--"mini" according to a number of companies' labels--which can be handy when you are on the go. Keep track of your valve caps. If you lose them, the valves can get dirty, leading to pumping difficulties, and will lose air more quickly. Check your air pressure in a few days to make sure that your tires are still properly inflated. If they are not, you may want to replace your tires or inner tubes.